I spent several years learning full-stack JavaScript development with the MERN stack and applying for jobs, but after not getting hired I became frustrated and stepped away. My last serious work with web development was around December 2022, and I have been disconnected from the field for roughly three and a half to four years. I now want to start again, eventually pursue freelancing or remote work, and figure out how to overcome the fear of returning. Should I relearn everything from the beginning, or can I refresh my knowledge and continue from where I stopped?
3 Answers
MERN is still relevant, but the current hiring market is challenging even for developers with strong experience and recent resumes. Your time away may make the search harder, but it does not mean development is no longer an option. Make a practical plan: review the basics, build two or three polished projects, update your resume and portfolio, and apply consistently. You may need to begin with smaller freelance tasks, local work, or an entry-level position while you rebuild recent experience.
You can absolutely return, but remote freelancing is extremely competitive because you are competing with applicants worldwide. It may be more realistic to first look for a local or in-person junior role while rebuilding your experience. The job market is difficult even for experienced developers, so expect the search to take persistence and consider applying broadly rather than targeting only remote positions.
If I still want to pursue remote work or freelancing, how many tools or technologies should I focus on learning?
Do not assume you need to restart from zero. Open one of your old projects or build a small new application and see what you remember. Refresh the areas that feel unfamiliar as you encounter them, especially JavaScript fundamentals, React, Node, databases, testing, and deployment. The ecosystem has changed, but your experience with reading documentation, debugging, and solving problems will come back faster than you expect.
The tools and frameworks may have changed, but the fastest way to regain confidence is to start writing code instead of waiting until you feel completely ready.
My last real work with web development was around December 2022. After that I lost direction and started thinking this career might not be right for me, so I gave up too quickly.